[snsgirl336]

So, I just got back from the big appointment! I was kind of nervous, but kind of excited. More than either of those, I was just kinda numb and ready to hear what the Dr had to say.

My Dr is absolutely wonderful. He said that he was happy that we waited for a fair amount of time before getting into testing and stuff. He said that he was pleased that we didn't rush into things and that we have given our bodies more than enough time to figure this out on their own. So that made me feel good- he made me feel like I didn't wait too long or rush into things.

We sat in his office and he really led the conversation. The first thing he said (which was really reassuring) was that even though we haven't gotten pregnant after 22 cycles, it doesn't mean that we're infertile. He went on to explain that there are a lot of reasons this could be happening. He explained what plan of attack he would like to take for the next few cycles and explained each step along the way and what it would tell us or do. I felt that he was very on top of everything and explained it really well. I told him that I O regularly on/around CD 13/14/15 and that my cycles are a very regular 27-28 days and he was pleased with that and said that will only help us.

So, here is our plan of attack (once Shawn agrees to it ). If I am not pregnant this cycle-

-I will go in for blood work on CD 3 or 4. They will check FSH, LH, TSH and Prolactin (I think that's all, but there may be more, I'd have to look at what is writen down)
-DH will get a S/A done (I think he'll be happy to know that he can do it at home and we just have to keep it warm and get it to the Hospital within an hour)
-I will have Serum Progesterone blood work done on CD 20-23 (7ish dpo- he's not too concerned about it being right on 7dpo but would like it as close as possible).

-On CD 1 of my next cycle I am to call and schedule an HSG. Depending on the timing and since he wants it done after AF leaves and before I O, it may take a cycle or two to get me in for the HSG.
-Barring there are no blocked tubes and everything else as far as bloodwork and SA turns out fine, if I'm still not pregnant, we will start Clomid with the HCG injectable and "spontaneous intercourse" (I had to giggle outloud at that one when he said it). Even though I O very regularly, he would like to see and track my O. He will follow my Colmid cycles very carefully with U/S's to make sure everything is right on track before the HCG trigger.
-We'll see how I do on the clomid w/HCG trigger and if still nothing (after 1 to 3 cycles), we'll move onto IUI. He doesn't really want to waste several cycles on just clomid with HCG triggers and want's to see us pregnant ASAP- he said we've waited long enough.

I have to add here that he did say that while he doesn't want me to be the next octomom, he had to tell me that he had a woman get pregnant with quads while on clomid, but that is very unlikely! I believe he said that my chances of multiples while on Clomid would go from 1 in 80 to 1 in 40. I think I'm ok with those odds!

-If DH's SA comes back as low, we'll just move to IUI since he feels it'll be a better chance for conception. He said it only takes one to fertilize the egg, but they like to travel in packs to get where they need to be! He wants to make sure we have some good strong spermies ready to go if we go that route.

-If none of those things work out or if tests come back unfavorably, we'll look towards the RE route (and I am pretty sure he recommended the RE that Toni saw since he has an office close to our area too).

He says that we could spend months and even years trying to figure out what is wrong and why this isn't happening. Since it could be unexplained infertility, he would rather work on figuring out the basics and getting us pregnant. I have to say that he was really awesome about everything and made just the right amount of funny comments and jokes to make it pleasant, but was also down to business too. He answered all my questions and made sure I understood what everything was and all his answers. He saw that I was going to write everything down, and he goes, "don't worry, I'll take notes for you! And mine are super detailed too, plus my handwriting is really neat!" so I didn't even have to worry about that! Though I still wrote down a few things on my own too.

So, I left with 2 bloodwork orders, 1 SA order, My Dr's Detailed notes and a SA sample cup. I haven't even told Shawn what is going on yet or that my Dr sent him a goody bag (SA cup), since he's still asleep, so don't tell him I told you all first!

I feel very good about the appointment overall and I feel that I'm definitely making positive steps. I just have to make sure my DH is on board, but since the first few steps seem rather simple (aside from the HSG), then he shouldn't have a problem! I feel so positive and optimistic about everything. Like I said in my other post, I really feel like this is the start of something good....

[ChristinaR]

Woooohooo Cris sounds like you had an awesome appointment. I'm so happy for you.

[Celry]

Sounds like a great appointment and a great doctor. I'm glad you seem comfortable with everything he wants to do. Good luck!

[Ash]

Sounds like a wonderful appointment, Cris! Congrats on the new plan!

[snsgirl336]

Thanks ladies! I in such a great mood right now!

[Christine-MA]

What a great appointment! I'm glad you like the Dr too. I can't say enough how excited I am for you! I hope DH is on board with it all.

[~*Jackie*~]

You know, I wrote this long reply, and our internet at work has been so up and down that it got lost!

I wanted you to know that I think your doctor sounds WONDERFUL and that your plan of action sounds GREAT!! I am hoping for the best possible results of all of your testing!! (We can be bloodwork buddies at the beginning of next cycle- I have to have all of those run [again] too!)

[Jarheadwed]

Sounds like you're on the right track for getting knocked up!!! Yay!

[SavaAngel]

Wow - what a great appt. Keep us posted! You will be graduating from her before you know it!

[KDD]

It sounds like you had a great appt. I'm glad that you took the next step.

[KCMomma]

Awe Cris, that sounds like the best possible appointment!!! I'm so happy for you and that you now have a plan. I bet just knowing that makes everything so much better!!! I'm so happy for you and hope that DH is on board too. KUP!!!!

[NortheastWifey]

That's so wonderful, Cris!! It sounds like it couldn't have gone any better! Yay!!!! I'm so darned excited for you! Keep us posted on everything.

[~Lynda~]

that is great!!! he sounds very thorough!!! which is good!! i'm looking forward to seeing you get that bfp soon! hey maybe you'll get it this cycle and won't have to go through anything else!!!! praying for you!!! and hoping the shawn will be open to the SA!!

G/L and KUP!

[adam*s_mami]

That is sooo great Cris, I am so happy that you got some answers and are working on why you aren't PG yet...i hope all the tests and BW SA come back good and you get that BFP very soon!

[~April04~]

That sounds like an awesome appt Cris! I'm so excited for you!

[bhonea]

That's wonderful news Cris! Isn't it nice to have an awesome Dr.? You'll be pregnant in no time!

[carmz87]

that is great news chris hope it all goes well

[**Jenn**]

Sounds like a great appointment! I hope things happen quickly for you!

It took us 28 cycles to conceive our oldest and ironically were on a "break" the cycle we conceived him (dh had a "pull out mishap"). Just goes to show you never know what your body is doing! I'm glad your doctor is on the ball though and very proactive in getting you pregnant asap!

[richmond_girl]

What a thorough and wonderful 1st appt! I was reading through you checklist and mentally going, "yup! that makes sense!! yup, that sounds just about right!" Your doctor sounds amazing and I'm so glad you had a productive appt!! let us know how it goes when you talk to shawn!!

Yay for progress!!

[*becky*]

Oh Cris that is awesome! I'm so excited for you!!

I'm so glad you have an action plan now!!!